As we head into the colder months, it’s a great time to take stock of our household budgets. Rising costs, unexpected bills, and day-to-day living expenses can all eat into our savings — but there are plenty of ways to trim costs without cutting back on the lifestyle you enjoy. Here are some simple, practical money-saving tips for life in France this autumn.
Smart Money Moves for Autumn in France
By Amanda Johnson
This article is published on: 2nd September 2025
1. Make the most of supermarket loyalty schemes
Most major French supermarkets offer loyalty cards, digital coupons, and newsletters that give access to discounts and special offers. Signing up to your local supermarket’s loyalty scheme is free, and the savings soon add up. Keep an eye out for “10% days” or product-specific promotions, which are often advertised via email or app notifications.
2. Check your electricity tariff
Energy bills are one of the largest household costs, and yet many people are still on outdated or less competitive tariffs. It’s worth checking with your supplier to make sure you’re on the most cost-effective option. Some tariffs offer cheaper off-peak rates, which can be especially useful if you use storage heaters or large appliances. Even a small monthly saving soon adds up over the course of a year.
3. Stay on top of household maintenance
Regular servicing might feel like an expense, but it usually saves money in the long run. Having your boiler serviced, chimney swept, and car checked before winter can prevent costly breakdowns later. In France, annual servicing of boilers and sweeping chimneys is often a legal requirement, and insurers may refuse to pay out on claims if you haven’t kept up with maintenance. Think of it as an investment in avoiding future headaches.
4. Simple housekeeping habits
Small, everyday changes can also make a difference. Switching off appliances at the plug rather than leaving them on standby, adjusting heating slightly lower, and making use of draft excluders and thick curtains can all reduce bills. Many communes also run recycling and re-use events where you can pick up second-hand furniture or household items at little or no cost.
5. Plan ahead for big purchases
French retailers often hold significant sales in January and during the summer (les soldes). If you can plan your bigger purchases — whether that’s household appliances, clothes, or even furniture — around these sales periods, you can save a substantial amount.
Thinking Beyond Everyday Savings
While these steps can help you save money on day-to-day expenses, the real key to financial security lies in what you do with the money you’ve saved. Once you’ve cut unnecessary costs, you have an opportunity to put those savings to work for you.
That might mean setting money aside for future plans, investing to generate long-term growth, or making sure your finances are structured as efficiently as possible here in France.
If you’d like to explore how your savings could work harder for you — and discover what investment opportunities are available to expatriates living in France — I’d be delighted to talk with you.
Contact me today to arrange a no-obligation chat. Small changes in your daily spending can make a big difference over time — especially if you turn those savings into investments for the future.
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our roadshow events or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you.
We do not charge for our reviews, reports or recommendations.